Yes, Virginia, You Remain an Embarrassment to Our Nation

There a widespread, often repeated observation among grandparents that personalities and talents seem to skip generations. Perhaps this is just the wishful thinking of elderly people disappointed in how their children turned out, but in the case of my brother-in-law, Hank Palikowski and his son, Hank Jr., it definitely seems to possess some credence. Having… Continue reading Yes, Virginia, You Remain an Embarrassment to Our Nation

Cantor Sings the Primary Blues for His Staff

Around eight o’clock on Friday nights, one can find any manner of Washington denizens crying in their beer at the Round Robin Bar – also celebrating, socializing or relaxing before dinner, too, naturally, but in that respect, a bar is like a Metro car. Board a Metro car and you will find some of the… Continue reading Cantor Sings the Primary Blues for His Staff

Bob McDonnell Took a Bribe – E-I-E-I-O (Allegedly)

Thursday morning, Gretchen booked Governor Robert Francis “Bob” McDonnell for a telephone consultation.  Friday afternoon, he called: McDonnell: Hello?  Tom Collins? Tom: This is he, Governor. McDonnell: It’s a pleasure to speak with you, Mr. Collins. Tom: Call me Tom, please, Governor. McDonnell: Oh, okay, Tom. Tom: To what do I owe the honor of… Continue reading Bob McDonnell Took a Bribe – E-I-E-I-O (Allegedly)

Obama Victory Drives Republicans Right Loony

Saturday night, after dinner at Plume, Cerise and I watched Lang Lang perform Beethoven’s piano concertos 2, 3 and 5 with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, then spent the rest of the night clubbing on U Street until the bars closed.  We went to bed at my home in Great Falls, Virginia,… Continue reading Obama Victory Drives Republicans Right Loony

Assange, Assad, Manning, Wikileaks, VEPCO, PEPCO – and Nuts

Friday of last week, two million people in the Washington DC metro area lost electrical power.  As I write this, eight days later, half a million still have none.  Oh, and by the way, the temperature every day in between has been around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the ambient, dry-bulb, actual temperature, not including humidity.… Continue reading Assange, Assad, Manning, Wikileaks, VEPCO, PEPCO – and Nuts